Lending a helping hand

Sanlam recently awarded six deserving Namibian students with bursaries to pursue their studies.

“The Sanlam bursary scheme aims to provide financial assistance to Namibian students” - Dr Evans Simataa

Bursaries help students to manage their finances, to participate more fully in the life and community of the university, provide a cushion from unexpected and unplanned expenses, and help to form a positive bond between the student and the institution. The six students with bursaries were awarded to pursue their studies at local universities in the country. The bursaries were awarded in line with Sanlam’s corporate social responsibility programme under the education focus area. As part of its commitment to the education of the Namibian child, Sanlam continues to invest in the capacity building and skills development within communities it operates.

Hard work is the key to success. Indeed, with hard work, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve whatever you want. Hard work is the combination of consistency, perseverance and can-do attitude. The Sanlam bursary programme is proof of that. The selected students all demonstrated exceptional academic performance and showed commitment towards their education in their various fields of study ranging from accounting to informatics. This year, all together Sanlam received over one thousand applications to its highly subscribed bursary programme from students across the country. The Sanlam bursary scheme is based on merit with a strict selection criterion and after a long search process and interviews with shortlisted candidates, the following students emerged as the successful Sanlam 2022 bursary recipients. Delila Katanga – NUST, Urias N Ngodji – UNAM, Victoria Amunyela – UNAM, Liyali Anthens – NUST, Daliza Haosemab – NUST and Esline Gaoses – NUST.

Speaking at the official award event, Sanlam’s General Manager: Brand and People, Dr Evans Simataa, said: “The Sanlam bursary scheme aims to provide financial assistance to Namibian students studying at institutions of higher learning in Namibia while also addressing Namibia’s skills shortage with a specific focus on commercial fields. At Sanlam we believe that developing one’s skills, through further education and training provides benefits to the individual.”

Simataa added that despite the many interruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the students still managed to perform exceedingly well in their studies. This, he said, was a clear demonstration of their commitment and dedication towards their studies despite whatever obstacles that may stand in their way. “With this bursary award, these students can now focus on their education, without worrying about how they are going to cover their tuition,” Simataa said.

The Sanlam bursary scheme is complimented by an internship programme which seeks to expose students to real work situations and experience. “We see this initiative as part of our promise to help Namibians Live with Confidence,” added Simataa. The next call for bursary applications will be announced through the press at the end of November.